20+ Best Things to Do in Bendigo: Art, History, Family Fun & Local Hidden Gems
Bendigo is a heritage city in central Victoria, known for its Victorian architecture and lively arts. Its gold rush history lives on in galleries, historic tours and walking trails. From classic things to do in Bendigo to offbeat finds, this regional hub makes a perfect day trip to Bendigo from Melbourne or even an extended getaway.
Discover Bendigo by day: top cultural and historical attractions in Bendigo
Below is how you can explore the city’s top attractions in Bendigo along a compact heritage trail of art and history.
Visit the renowned Bendigo Art Gallery
Address: 42 View Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550
Opening hours: Daily 10 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: Check the schedule. In most cases, free talks and live music accompany exhibitions.
This is one of the oldest cultural experiences in regional Victoria. Housed in a 19th-century building, it showcases European classics and contemporary Australian art.
Tour the underground Central Deborah Gold Mine
Address: 76 Violet Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am–4:30 pm (except Christmas)
Entrance fee: Paid guided tours, $29 for children and $39 for adults.
Local tip: It is cold underground, so bring a warm jacket.
This 61-meter underground gold mine is one of the historic landmarks in Bendigo. Inside, you can see real mining tools and a replica gold nugget.
>> Explore more: 10 Things you must do on a day trip to Bendigo
Explore the Golden Dragon Museum and Chinese Heritage
Address: 1–11 Bridge Street, Bendigo VIC 3550
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:30 am–5 pm
Entrance fee: $10 for children and $16 for adults.
Local tip: The peaceful Garden of Joy (a pagoda courtyard) is lovely to explore.
Golden Dragon Museum is one of the must-see places in Bendigo. It tells the story of the city’s Chinese-Australian heritage.
Admire the Sacred Heart Cathedral
Address: 80 Wattle Street, Bendigo, VIC 3550
Opening hours: Wed-Sat 10 am–4 pm; Sun 12 pm–1:30 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: The crypt sometimes has heritage exhibits (check opening times).
On the must-visit list of Bendigo’s tourist spots is the neo-Gothic Sacred Heart Cathedral (1868), which features soaring twin spires and elaborate stained glass.
Explore Bendigo’s pottery craft at Historic Bendigo Pottery
Address: 146 Midland Highway, Epsom VIC 3551
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 10 am–4 pm (closed Tuesday)
Entrance fee: Museum $8 adult, $4 child, $5 hands-on pottery activities
Local tip: Free weekend demos let kids try clay, there is a small café.
Watch artisans at the wheel and explore the on-site kiln-house museum of historic pottery works.
Enjoy Bendigo for free: top budget-friendly experiences
Many activities in Bendigo are free, from parks to architecture, showing off the city’s heritage and scenery at no cost.
Stroll through Rosalind Park and climb the Poppet Head Lookout
Opening hours: The Park is always open; climb the Poppet Head any time.
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: Spring tulips and roses bloom beautifully here. Early mornings are especially peaceful.
The Park’s iconic red Poppet Head mining lookout offers panoramic views. This is one of the best free things to do in Bendigo with family.
Take in the views from One Tree Hill
Address: Greater Bendigo National Park (access via Edwards Road, Flora Hill)
Opening hours: Daily sunrise–sunset
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: Go at sunrise or sunset for the best light and avoid crowds.
One Tree Hill has a steel lookout tower surrounded by bushland. Climb to the top for sweeping views of Bendigo and the surrounding countryside.
Wander the Bendigo Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: Daily 7:30 am–sunset
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: The bird aviary (free to enter) and spring rose displays are family favourites.
The highlights include an ornamental lake and a WWI memorial arch, as well as lawns and playgrounds ideal for picnics.
Check out Alexandra Fountain and its surrounding architectures
Opening hours: Always open (outdoor site)
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: The fountain is illuminated at night. To enjoy the view, grab a bench and a coffee from nearby cafés.
The fountain’s bronze figures and cascading water jets make it a city landmark. Landscaped gardens and historic 19th-century buildings also surround it.
Visit the Bendigo Visitor Centre at the Old Post Office
Address: 51–67 Pall Mall, Bendigo VIC 3550
Opening hours: Daily 9 am–4:30 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: Ask staff for “hidden gem” recommendations or free walking tour info.
It provides free maps and brochures, plus insider tips about local attractions. The grand foyer is also worth seeing.
Bendigo after dark: Top things to do at night
When the sun sets, Bendigo’s entertainment scene comes alive. Theatres, boutique cinemas and novelty tours make for lively evenings.
Watch a live performance at Ulumbarra Theatre
Address: 10 Gaol Road, Bendigo VIC 3550
Opening hours: Box office 10 am–5 pm (Mon–Fri); theatre opens one hour before shows
Entrance fee: Ticketed events (depends on the event)
Local tip: Look for midweek previews or package deals.
With 950 seats and modern acoustics, this theatre hosts concerts, plays and musicals in a striking historical setting.
Catch an Indie film at Star Cinema
Address: Town Hall, Eaglehawk VIC 3556
Opening hours: Based on film times (evenings & weekends)
Entrance fee: By film (approx $15 adult)
Local tip: Book ahead to snag the sofa seats and enjoy a craft beer or wine during the film.
This charming boutique cinema is a hidden gem for film lovers, showcasing independent, foreign, and classic films. It’s a place where storytelling takes center stage from thought-provoking international dramas to timeless favorites, creating an intimate, cultural experience that celebrates the art of cinema.
Hop aboard the Shake Rattle and Roll Night Tram
Address: Charing Cross tram stop (Alexandra Fountain), Bendigo
Opening hours: Seasonal, Saturday nights
Entrance fee: ~$50-$60 (includes one drink)
Local tip: This ride is adults-only and books out fast.
On some Saturday nights, a vintage tram plays 1950s rock 'n'roll through Bendigo. Passengers enjoy cocktails from onboard bartenders and can dance in the aisles.
Things to do in Bendigo with kids
Families will find plenty of family-friendly activities in Bendigo to keep kids happy. They include:
Explore science at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre
Address: 7 Railway Place, Bendigo VIC 3550
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10 am–4 pm
Entrance fee: $16 adult, $12 child (under-3 free)
Local tip: The mini-planetarium show (small extra fee) is a big hit with children.
Spark curiosity at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre, where kids can erupt volcanoes, touch real meteorites, and dive into interactive science shows that is a fun, hands-on experience that makes learning come alive for the whole family.
Ride the Vintage Talking Tram
Address: 1 Tramways Ave, Bendigo VIC 3550
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Entrance fee: $15 adult, $10 child (3–15 yrs)
Local tip: Bring a camera—the old-style tram and city sights make great memories.
Kids explore the streets while listening to stories about landmarks like the Art Gallery and Sacred Heart.
Feed ducks and picnic at Lake Weeroona
Opening hours: Daily dawn-dusk
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: Bring bread to feed the ducks (often sold nearby).
Families love feeding the ducks and relaxing by the historic band rotunda. It is perfect for a free afternoon picnic near the city.
>> Explore more: Best restaurants in Bendigo centre
Bendigo Tramways
Opening hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Entrance fee: $11.67
Local tip: Sit near the open windows for the best views and breeze and catch a late-morning tram when the sunlight makes the city’s historic buildings glow
Step aboard Bendigo’s vintage trams for a journey through the city’s rich heritage and charming streets. The ride offers fascinating commentary about Bendigo’s gold rush past, making it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Yi Yuan Gardens
Address: Bendigo Chinese Gardens Reserve, Farmer Ln, Bendigo VIC, Australia
Opening hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm | Monday closed
Entrance fee: Adult $12, Concession $10, Child $7, Family $30
Local tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the soft light reflects beautifully off the water and don’t miss the tea house nearby for an authentic cultural experience.
Discover tranquility at Bendigo’s Yi Yuan Gardens, part of the Golden Dragon Museum complex. This peaceful space features traditional Chinese landscaping, ornate bridges, and koi ponds, offering visitors a serene escape in the heart of the city.
>> Explore more: Family-friendly activities in Bendigo, VIC
Hidden gems and local favourites in Bendigo
Beyond the main attractions, Bendigo has unique spots that locals treasure, from spiritual retreats to countryside trails.
Find serenity at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm; Sat/Sun 10:30 am–5 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: The StupaView Cafe on site serves vegetarian meals with great views of the temple.
You can sacred relics, wander tranquil gardens, and join guided meditations for a serene and spiritual experience surrounded by breathtaking architecture and natural beauty.
Walk or cycle the O’Keefe Rail Trail
Address: Trailheads around Bendigo
Opening hours: Daily dawn-dusk
Entrance fee: Free
Local tip: Rent bikes in Bendigo and start early.
This 49km path from Bendigo to Heathcote follows a disused railway line through forests, farmland and vineyards.
Choose the best place to stay in Bendigo with Bendigo Signature Accommodation
After exploring the beautiful Bendigo region, you want to find a comfortable, centrally located accommodation to call home. This is where Bendigo Signature Accommodation comes in. We provide spacious homes ideal for families, groups, and corporate stays. Plan your stay with Bendigo Signature Accommodation today to experience the city at your own pace.
